Page 143 of Prickly Romance

“People at the foundation can’t find out about us.”

“We are not doing anything wrong.”

“You’re my boss.”

“Technically, you are interning.”

Her expression turns scolding. “Same thing.”

“That is not a good reason.”

“You’re older than me.”

“We’re both adults.”

“We can’t expect people to understand. They’re going to think that you’re… my sugar daddy.”

“Me? A…” It is so ridiculous I cannot even bear to repeat it. “You and I both know this is not the case, so why should we care whether others understand or not? As long as we know the truth, this is all that matters.”

“I’m not ready for the scrutiny yet. Telling people about us would make things awkward for me. And Sheila… ugh. Sheila would give me the stink eye of death.” She shakes her head. “We don’t need my co-workers in our business.” I think of Taylor and add, “My classmates either. We can’t let them find out.”

“I do not have a problem with keeping our relationship quiet if it is what you truly wish. But I do have a problem if we are keeping it quiet in order to please others. There is no need for us to inconvenience ourselves to make them more comfortable.”

She tilts her head. Her lips pucker. “This feels like a fight.”

I think about it. “Is it?”

“It’s a disagreement. So, technically, yes.”

“Then let us fight.”

“Wrong answer. From now on, you’re supposed to let me win all the arguments.”

“I do not think I can do this.” I rub my chin and in a dry voice, I tease her, “Letting you win might be too much for me to handle.”

“Sazuki.”

“Ryotaro,” I correct her.

“I told you I’m not saying that.”

“Why not?”

“Because…”

“Because?”

“It’s too intimate.”

I bear down on her, drawn to her body with a strength I cannot resist.

My lips cover hers.

She wraps an arm around the back of my neck. Her lips grasp mine passionately, so impatient, so willing, so filled with dark need.

I could plunder her right here in the backseat.

She would not push my hand away if I slid it beneath her skirt.

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